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The Gingerbread House

Ofsted: Good
(Feb 2023)
·
4.9(14 parent reviews) ·Centenary Hall, Wheelers Lane, Smallfield, RH6 9PT · Surrey
Number of places
24 places
Age range
2–4 yrs
Last inspected
Feb 2023
Local authority
Surrey

About this day nursery

The Gingerbread House in Smallfield offers a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive, learn, and develop important life skills. The nursery embraces a unique educational approach, blending elements from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework with Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and the Curiosity Approach.

This varied curriculum encourages a love for learning through hands-on experiences, creative play, and exploration. The dedicated staff team is committed to fostering confidence, independence, and social skills in every child, preparing them for future academic success and personal growth.

To further enrich the children's development, the nursery provides extracurricular activities such as French, Yoga, and Dance lessons, promoting language acquisition, mindfulness, and self-expression. The premises are thoughtfully divided into distinct rooms catering to different age groups: 'Ladybirds' for babies, 'Caterpillars' for children under two, and 'Butterflies' for two to five-year-olds, ensuring age-appropriate care and activities.

Parents frequently commend the caring and attentive staff, noting significant positive changes in their children's development, including improved speech and increased happiness.

Our ethos

The Gingerbread House utilises a blended pedagogical approach, incorporating the EYFS framework with Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and the Curiosity Approach. Their curriculum encourages a love of learning through hands-on experiences, creative play, and exploration, aiming to foster confidence, independence, and social skills. They further enrich development with activities like French, Yoga, and Dance.

What it's like

Children of all ages and abilities are settled, confident and very happy at the warm and inviting setting. They are eager to join in with the motivating activities that staff carefully plan for them. Children enjoy their learning and are encouraged to succeed.

EYFS frameworkMontessori, Reggio Emilia, and Curiosity ApproachFrench, Yoga, and Dance lessonsDedicated experienced team

Pricing & funding

Pricing on request

This nursery doesn't publish its fees online. Contact them directly for an up-to-date price list and availability.

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Key facts

Opening hours

Mon - Fri 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Age range

Babies to 5 years

Term time / All Year

All Year

Ofsted Inspection

Ofsted rating for The Gingerbread House

Last inspected 22 February 2023

Safeguarding effective
Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good

What it's like to attend

Children of all ages and abilities are settled, confident and very happy at the warm and inviting setting. They are eager to join in with the motivating activities that staff carefully plan for them. Children enjoy their learning and are encouraged to succeed.

Inspector highlights

  • Children of all ages and abilities are settled, confident and very happy.
  • Children gain a good understanding of the importance of healthy lifestyles.
  • Children develop good physical skills, confidently climbing and balancing on a variety of equipment.
  • Managers and staff establish very secure and trusting relationships with all children.
  • Children have a good sense of belonging and positive levels of well-being.

Areas to develop

  • 1further improve teaching to ensure children always understand acceptable behaviour expectations
  • 2provide more opportunities for children to develop their writing skills.
Inspection #10264461 · Source: OfstedView full Ofsted report

Inclusion & environment

How they support every child

SEND provision

Staff support all children to make good progress, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They support them from the earliest stages, making successful referrals to specialists with parents' permission if required and implementing helpful strategies like consistent sign language.

Outdoor space

Children develop good physical skills. For example, they confidently climb and balance on a variety of equipment, including tyres. Children work together to roll tyres down a slope and explore the concept of speed.

Parent Reviews of The Gingerbread House

4.9
(14)
Becky Crisfield
2 months ago

We love the Gingerbread House Nursery. When we first came round to look at the nursery it had such a warm, welcoming and calm atmosphere. Children were happy and engaged in a variety of different activities. They have been incredible with all the big life changes we've gone through in the last 18 months including welcoming a new baby into the family, moving home, toilet training and more recently getting our youngest transitioned and settled so I could get back to work. The staff are so caring, supportive, hardworking and creative. The app they use allows constant open lines of communication so you are never left wondering about something as they are quick to respond. They are also always looking to improve their own practice and encourage parents to share their experiences and ideas so they can do their best by your child. Definitely would recommend to anyone as it's just superb.

Read on Google
Rebecca Chown
2 months ago

Gingerbread House Nursery is a truly special place, and I’d recommend it wholeheartedly to any parent looking for the very best start for their child. My 3.5-year-old son has absolutely thrived here, and the fact that he runs to the gate every single morning at drop-off says it all. The staff are clearly passionate about what they do and they have taken the time to truly get to know my son as an individual, and have recognized his needs and they make the necessary adjustments to accommodate him. He is extremely comfortable with the staff a their warming and attentive nature. Communication with parents is excellent too — I’m kept well informed and always feel like a valued partner in his care and the progress he’s made: socially, emotionally, and developmentally. I have no doubt the nurturing environment at Gingerbread House has played a huge role in that. I will be devastated that this chapter will end in August when my son goes into Reception but, I will be forever thankful for the continued support and kindness both my son and I have received.

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Deize Covre
2 months ago

We are very happy with this nursery. Our daughter absolutely loves going there which means everything to us as parents. All the staff members are incredibly caring, attentive, and kind with her. We truly feel that she is safe, supported, and well looked after. We are very grateful for the wonderful environment they provide and highly recommend this nursery to other families.

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Sarah Benham
2 months ago

I absolutely love this nursery, all the staff are amazing. 3 of my children go there and they are all so happy. They have helped me above and beyond. I wish that the children didn’t have to grow up and leave (when the time comes) . Fantastic Nursery. The best xx

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Jolie Turner
2 months ago

Both of our children attend Gingerbread House & we couldn’t recommend enough. Carla & the team are superb. Lots of activities for the children, trips out, great adventure garden for them to play in & extensive daily menu with lots of variety. Thank you

Read on Google

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Inspection history

Date: February 2023

  • March 2023Good
  • February 2023Good

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This listing has been compiled from official Ofsted records, the nursery's own website, details provided directly by the nursery where available, and other trusted public sources. We regularly review and update listings to keep the information as accurate as possible. Learn more